Detroit Pistons Show Defensive Identity vs Milwaukee Bucks

DETROIT, MI – The Detroit Pistons opened preseason at home with a 120-87 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. The game started off reminiscent of last season through the first quarter.

They went nearly 5 minutes without scoring after Jaden Ivey put the Pistons up 3-0. A Cade Cunningham iso three stopped the Bucks run, but there wasn’t much to be hopeful of at that point.

Their defense was a step behind and the offensive rhythm was out of sync.

But new head coach JB Bickerstaff believed his team just needed to settle down and calm the nerves.

“We got more comfortable,” Bickerstaff said. We started off real excited to play. But after our first timeout we settled down. Our defensive intensity picked up and we shared the ball on the perimeter more.”

Rookie Ron Holland, Isaiah Stewart and Malik Beasley also entered the game out of that timeout. The hustle improved with the Pistons fighting for two offensive rebounds which led to a Malik Beasley three.

After that first Pistons timeout, the level of aggressiveness rose both offensively and defensively. Which was by design according to Bickerstaff.

”Our goal is to be the most physical defensive team in the league,” Bickerstaff said. “This will be a process, but this is a good first step.”

Star Cade Cunningham added 13 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Former Buck Malik Beasley finished the game with 11 points but did his job. Played tough defense and knocked down threes. Beasley shot 3-7 from behind the arc and only took one other shot the entire game.

The Pistons were led by Jaden Ivey’s 22 points (6-8 FG, 3-3 3PT), 9 free throw attempts and an unwillingness to be stopped. But also improvements on the defensive side, which Bickerstaff remarked about after the game.

Jaden Ivey is on a Mission

“There’s an idea of him being one of the elite defensive players in this league,” JB Bickerstaff said of Ivey.

Three things I wanted to see from Ivey to start preseason was improved three point shooting, actual playing time and signs of improved defense. Third year guard Jaden Ivey got off to an uncertain start last season under former coach Monty Williams. He didn’t begin the season as a starter, and he also wasn’t receiving ample playing time.

But versus the Bucks, aggression was the name of the game for Jaden Ivey.

Ivey’s efforts kept the Pistons in the game just enough, until the rest of the team began to find rhythm. But it wasn’t just the offense, but the defense which also improved as the team got more comfortable. Ivey led Led by an assertive Ivey,

“That’s how I like to see JI play,” Isaiah Stewart said. “Coming from summer workouts and playing pickups, you could tell he’s on a mission.”

“No one can stay in from of him, getting to the rim. That’s the way I like to see him play.”

And coach Bickerstaff doubled down with appreciation of Ivey’s performance.

“We want him to play with the ultimate amount of confidence. When he does that he’s a very unique basketball player,” Bickerstaff said. “There’s not many guys in this league that has his speed, athleticism and ferociousness.”

“(Jaden Ivey) is good enough for us.”

Rookie Ron Holland

One of the defensive standouts was Pistons rookie Ron Holland. Many fans are still learning about Holland’s game, but he was sure defense would be a calling card.

And his teammates already love what they see from Holland. Especially Isaiah Stewart who stated that Ron Holland is his “rook”, before giving an endorsing take on his game.

”I think Ron did a great job,” Isaiah Stewart said. “That boy a dog, I love Ron.”

I asked Holland during the offseason what skills he believed would translate day 1 and his answer didn’t disappoint.

“Defense,” Holland confidently exclaimed. “I know my defense, energy and effort I can bring to the NBA day 1.”

Holland’s hustle, defense and ability to stuff the stat sheet had fans buzzing across social media over the former G-League Ignite. But he also found a fan in new Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff.

”Oh he was awesome,” Bickerstaff stated. “He was impactful and changed the game. He lifted the energy and just knows how to impact the game even without plays called for him.”

The biggest questions by fans focused on his shooting. But the identity of winning Pistons basketball has always started on the defensive side.

I am optimistic Holland will become a serviceable outside shooter. The main reasons revolve around his work ethic, the team around him and the coaching staff, including the hiring of assistant coach Fred Vinson.

Vinson was hired by Trajan Langdon before even hiring a head coach. They were still searching for the right leader, but didn’t let that stop them from prioritizing developing the young talent.

He’s been working close with Ausar Thompson and Holland working on several factors related to outside shooting.

Holland will find ways to stay on the court and be effective, even while working out the shooting.

Other Notes

Big free agent splash Tobias Harris was listed out with illness. So fans will have to wait a little longer to see his Detroit Pistons debut.
2nd rd pick Bobi Klintman also missed the game due to a contusion.
The Pistons had more steals (14 – 6) and rebounds (51-47) than the Bucks.
Pistons were passing the ball around after they found some offensive rhythm finishing the game with 31 assists.